Episode 4: Robins and rain

Frilly tulips grow with a rosebush and chives and garlic. (Planting alliums near your roses can supposedly help with pest resistance.)

In this episode . . .

Rainy day reflections on water and the virtues of a rain barrel. Bird noticing. Asparagus arrives. Tulip time.

*A note to clarify the combined sewer system, which is in place in the oldest parts of Toronto: our own sewage goes into the sewer, not into the grates of course, but what I meant was rainwater + household grey & black water are all going to the same system, and a deluge of rainwater can overwhelm that system. In newer parts of the city, there are separate pipes for grate water and household water, and the grate water goes directly into the lake (which is not without some problems either!)

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Otherwise this week, I’m . . .

Savouring: How everything looks greener when it rains. My single asparagus stalk so far. The graceful elegance of redbuds in bloom.

Tending: Potting up my tomato and basil seedlings. Sowing zinnia seeds indoors. Growing sprouts and microgreens inside. Planting out my winter-sown bok choy. Otherwise not doing much outside — we’re still in the pre-season, but not for much longer!

Harvesting: Daffodils, muscari, and tulips. Mint, cilantro, green onion tops, chives. Hungry season salad greens.

Making: Muscari lemonade after discovering via Alexis Nikole Nelson that the flowers are edible. The verdict: a fun chemistry exercise, but no special flavour. (Adding the acid — lemon — turns the drink from blue-grey to pink. The same thing happens with violet flowers, or the butterfly pea flower that’s having a *moment.*)

My ugly upcycled rain collection basins. Not pretty, but they give me gallons and gallons of rainwater each year that would otherwise just pool beside the house.

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Cross-pollination

Don’t miss this profound piece on winter, gardens, and regeneration by Haíɫzaqv writer and activist ’Cúagilákv (Jess Housty). It may no longer be winter, but we’re still in a season of rest. It also contains a beautiful story about the power of spring bulbs.

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Say hi!

Show me your tulips! Tell me about your rain barrels — or any of your garden joy. I also love to hear when/where you’re listening: people have told me they listen while going for walks, while packaging seeds, or, my favourite, with their kiddo at bedtime. Thank you for making space for my weird little podcast.

Until next week!
Jen